title: Cu(I) complexes containing a multidentate and conformationally flexible dibenzylidene acetone ligand (dbathiophos): application in catalytic alkene cyclopropanation.
abstract: The synthesis and characterisation of a multidentate conformationally flexible ligand based on the dibenzylidene acetone core structure, dbathiophos (1), is described. Ligand 1 has a high affinity for cationic and neutral Cu(I) species. Three unique Cu(I) complexes (4-6) are reported showing that the ligand backbone of dbathiophos is hemilabile, and able to adopt different 1,4-dien-3-one conformational geometries around Cu(I). Complexes 4 and 6 both effectively catalyse the cyclopropanation of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate at low catalyst loadings (1 mol% Cu).
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, UK, YO10 5DD.
authors.forename: Amanda G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Jarvis
authors.forename: Adrian C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Whitwood
authors.forename: Ian J S
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Fairlamb
mesh_terms: D000475:Alkenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D002384:Catalysis; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry*; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D003521:Cyclopropanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D008024:Ligands; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D010422:Pentanones / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000475:Alkenes; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D008024:Ligands; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D010422:Pentanones; D003300:Copper; C030797:cyclopropane; C533260:dibenzylidene acetone